By Lydia LaGue-Lopez news@thewoodstockindependent.com At the June 9 meeting, the Arts Commission was informed that the City Council had passed the Cultural Arts Plan proposed by Northern Illinois University. Mayor Mike Turner has tasked the Arts Commission with implementation. The members will be talking with the arts community to assess the greatest needs, along with […]
People who like the idea of a sculpture in the middle of Woodstock’s only traffic roundabout now have a way to support the project. Private fundraising is underway to supplement the $50,000 the city committed to the project a year ago. City officials are looking for an additional $25,000 after members of the City Council […]
By Lydia LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com In the second half of 2023, Anne-Marie Whitmore Lenzini became the new chairwoman of the Arts Commission after former City Councilwoman Wendy Piersall resigned when she moved. The commission also welcomed new members Julie Miller, Mark Murray, Barbara Bundick, and Bethany Fritz. With existing members Susan Stelford and John Hegner, the […]
What kind of artwork should Woodstock display in the center of the city’s first traffic roundabout? City officials have formally asked for ideas by issuing a 32-page RFP – Request for Proposal – for what is described as “an original, large-scale public artwork piece that will be a permanent installation in the center of the […]
Democracy is a wonderful system for us regular folks. No, not the democratic republic form of our government that allows us to vote a couple of times a year for our political leaders. We’re talking about the privilege we have now, unleashed in this digital age with its various forms of social media, to give […]
State research grant will assess Woodstock arts needs, aid plan Woodstock will use a $75,000 research and planning grant in preparing a plan to further develop the local arts community as an integral part of the city’s economy. The city is among 42 Illinois communities recently awarded grants from the Research in Illinois to Spur […]
Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Fine Arts Association, the oldest resident company of the Woodstock Opera House, has continued its support of the historic theater with its latest donation of $20,000. The contribution has been earmarked toward replacement of the ceiling in the Opera House Community Room, which serves as a gallery for local artists […]
Some evidence to the contrary, we have plenty of summer remaining. Sure, students are back in class, high school football will be seriously underway this coming Friday, and we’ve had plenty of cool summer nights (and some days!), suggesting fall is nearly upon us. But as we begin the final week of August, we know […]
By Lydi LaGue news@thewoodstockindependent.com With the Benton Street mural under their belt, members of the Woodstock Arts Commission are moving steadily forward with more initiatives. At its monthly meeting July 27, the commission discussed art in future traffic roundabouts, plaques at art installations to explain the work, and the potential for more murals. Krista Coltrin, […]
Chicago artist Mauricio Ramirez will create Woodstock’s newest mural on the 30-by-12 foot west wall of the building at 220 N. Benton St., in the block north of Judd Street. The City Council last week voted to accept the recommendations of Woodstock’s Art Commission and city staff members in choosing Ramirez’s concept, titled “Made in […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
